Is it easier to get accepted with need-aware FA policy or get accepted without FA but get selected for the merit scholarships? I heard that Duke’s merit scholarships are very generous in amount (if I have this wrong please let me know). How competitive is the international FA pool? Is it considered to be more competitive (relative to similar tier schools) than the amount of allocated funds or no? They seem to be very rich from their advertising and all that…
Merit Scholarships are extremely selective and very difficult to obtain. They target the very high end of Duke’s already very competitive applicant pool. No one should count on getting them.
@renaissancedad So is it still “easier” to get in with FA? even if it’s need-aware?
Duke is not need-aware unless you’re an international. It is much easier to get financial aid as an international than it is to receive a merit scholarship.
Even though Duke is not need-blind for internationals, it will meet 100% of your demonstrated need if you are accepted.
^^ Yes. @JenniferClint says it very clearly and accurately.
Thanks, @renaissancedad 
OP, there is also a competitive merit scholarship that is only available to international students. It’s called the Karsh scholarship.
The TLDR version of all this is that you will probably be able to afford Duke if you are admitted. Getting in is the hard part 
^ True, but financial need as estimated by a school does not always match an applicant’s expectation. It is important to keep options open.
A few years ago I helped an Egyptian national student living in Saudi Arabia, who fell in love with Dartmouth and applied ED. He got admitted, but their financial package would have severely burdened his family in their estimation, and Dartmouth would not significantly alter their FA package, so he had to decline. It was a very painful lesson.
^ I agree. There are so many variables… some schools count home equity, others don’t, etc. etc.
Probably doesn’t make sense to apply ED (anywhere) as an international unless you come from a fairly affluent family.
@JenniferClint I’m international so Duke is need aware for me. How competitive would the international FA pool be in comparison to the merit scholarships (particularly Karsh)?
You will automatically be considered for most of the merit scholarships (Robertson, AB Duke, University, etc.)
Only applicants who qualify for financial aid are considered for the Karsh scholarship. It is usually easier to get financial aid than it is to receive a merit scholarship.
@geekfurl, I find your persistence on this topic a bit concerning. I suggest you let any thought of merit scholarships go. Apply and fill out your financial aid paperwork, and see what happens. Getting into Duke is hard enough by itself.